Media: the middle things, in reference to the first and last things: or, The means, duties, ordinances, both secret, private and publike, for continuance and increase of a godly life, once begun, till we come to Heaven. Wherein are discovered many blessed medium's or duties, in their right method, manner and proceedings; that so a Christian (the spirit of Christ assisting) may walk on in the holy path, which leads from his new birth to everlasting life. / Drawn, for the most part, out of the most eminently pious, and learned writings of our native practical divines: with additionals of his own, by Isaac Ambrose, minister of the Gospel at Preston in Amoundernes.

SECT. 8. Of the maner of Watchfulness over our actions.

OUr actions are either

• Natural,
• Civil,
• Religious,

In all which observe these Directions:

1. Concerning Natural actions, as Eating, Drinking, Sleep∣ing, Visitations, Recreations, &c. no constant Rule can be pre∣scribed, because it is much diversified by health, sickness, age, constitution; and every one hath either learned by his own experience, what seasons, and proportions of such natural helps are fittest for his temperament, or he is most unworthy of that precious thing (an Understanding soul) which he bears in his bosom; onely let me inform Christians, that they may sin in any of these actions, and therefore let them beware and watch over themselves in the use and enjoyment of these things; which howsoever lawful in their own nature, yet by our corruption are capable of inordinateness and excess. Some are of opinion, That Christians are in more danger of being Spiritually undone, by a slie insinuation and insnarement of licentiousness and im∣moderation

in such lawful things, then by the gross assaults of foul sins and temptations; their hearts may rise against any work of darkness, as Adultery, Murther, Swearing, Prophaning the Lords day, Speculative wantonness, &c. which yet may too often be insensibly seized upon, by an excessive sinful delight, in things unsinful in themselves; and therefore we had need to watch over our Natural actions.

2. Concerning Civil actions, as Bargains, Contracts, Cove∣nants, Dealings, Negotiations, &c. observe these Directions:

1. Think we seriously and solemnly of that Principle, Do as thou wouldst be done by: In a fellow-feeling real conceit, put thy self into the place, and impartially put on the person of the party with whom thou art to deal, and then returning to thy self, deal out and proportion unto him that measure in every particular, which thou wouldst be willing to receive at anothers hand, if thou wer't in his case: Whatsoever (saith our Savior) ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

2. Abhor with an infinite disdain, to get any thing by any wicked means, wrong doing, or unconscionable dealing; we may assure our selves in such cases, That besides the secret grumblings of our self-accusing Consciences, the angry eye of God sees secretly our doings, and will shortly, and most certainly re∣venge.

3. Let our desire and delight never fasten it self immoderate∣ly upon any earthly thing, though never so excellent: Exorbi∣tancy and error this way, brings many times with it either a loss of the thing so doted on, or it may be a cross, or howso∣ever a curse. O consider we the vanity of these earthly things! Consider we the glories above! Methinks this one preservative would be powerful enough to keep the heart of every Christian from doting upon the world, or suffering it to be possessed there∣of, it is this, Every Christian by a fruitful Faith, may be assured of a Crown of life, either by assurance of adherence, or evi∣dence, or both: Now if that once a day he should take a serious survey of the glory, everlastingness, and unutterable excellen∣cies of that immortal Crown, which our dear Redeemer holds for him in his hand, ready to set upon his head, when he shall be dissolved from this vale of tears; Methinks it were able so

to dull the edge, and dissolve the drossiness of all earthly de∣sires, that they should never be able to heat or harden his heart any more.

3. Concerning Religious actions, as Meditating, Hearing, Reading, Fasting, Praying, Almsgiving, &c. observe these Di∣rections:

• 1. In general.
• 2. In special.

1. In general, observe, That we draw and derive from Christ by the attractive force of Faith, Special abilities, 1. To perform all Duties. 2. To exercise all Graces. 3. To resist and over∣come all Temptations and Corruptions which shall be befal us: To this purpose are those Promises of Grace and Strength, Isa. 44.3. Ezek. 36.27. Zech. 10.12. Joh. 1.16. And these are Se∣curities given us from God, that we shall receive grace through Duties, which are the Conduit-pipes or instruments of convey∣ing the same into the soul from Christ. This is to do all in the strength of Christ, and to take forth a great deal of Christ into the soul, so that not I, but Christ may live in me.

2. In special, observe these Directions:

1. That before the doing of Duties, we remove all lets and impediments which may hinder, and improve all occasions which may forward us thereunto.

2. That in doing of them, we behave our selves well and wisely, performing them rightly and religiously.

3. After all is done, that we be careful all be not lost through our own vileness, and viciousness, privy pride, or se∣cret hypocrisie.

For instance, Would we watch unto Prayer, as the Apostle in∣joyns us?

1. Then, before we fall on our knees, let us shake off three impoysoning and heavy hindrances, which otherwise will clog and clip the wings of our Prayers, that they will never be able to ascend up into heaven; as, Sin, Anger, and Distrust: and let us possess our selves of three excellent helps and inflaming fur∣therances; the first is a right apprehension of Gods Dreadful∣ness, Purity, Power, &c. The second is, a true sence of our own Vileness, Abominableness, Nothingness, &c. The third is, an hearty survey of the Infiniteness, and unexpressibleness of Gods

Bounty, Blessings, and compassionate forbearance towards us.

2. After we are down on our knees, first repel with an un∣daunted Spirit, Satans Blasphemous injections: Secondly, watch over the world with care and timely opposition, that if it be possible) not an earthly thought may creep into our heart all the while: Thirdly, strive to hold our hearts in heat, as well in Confession as Deprecation, in Deprecation as Petition; as well for purity of heart, as for pardon of sin throughout: Prayer is the creature of the holy Ghost, every part whereof we should heartily wish, and earnestly wrestle, That he would propor∣tionally animate and enliven, even as the soul doth the body.

3. After we are risen off our knees, first, take heed of resting in the Duty, take heed of privy pride, and secret hypocrisie, take heed of returning with the dog to his vomit: Secondly, pursue and press after the things prayed for, by a timely appre∣hension, fruitful exercise, and utmost improvement of all occa∣sions, and heavenly offers, which may any ways concur to the compassing of them: But of this I shall speak more largely, when I come to the Duty of Prayer. Thus much of Watch∣fulness.

Notes

• Mat 7.22.
• Gal. 2.20.
• Eph. 6.18.